STUDENTS at Poltair School and Penrice Academy in St Austell returned to their schools to receive their GCSE results amid scenes of tense anticipation. 

There were some notable successes alongside relief and also thoughts of what could have been. 

Poltair headteacher Richard Cardigan said on Thursday (August 20): “We could not be prouder of the class of 2026. Today is a celebration of their hard work, but also of the people they have become. 

“Every student has their own story, and every achievement is worth celebrating. We have seen our young people grow in confidence, develop their character and become increasingly curious about the world around them.  

Scenes from Poltair School on GCSE results day 2026. Video by Andrew Townsend.

“I would like to thank our students, their families and our incredible staff for the support, encouragement and belief they have shown throughout their time at Poltair. 

“Today we celebrate how far our students have come, and tomorrow they begin the next part of their journey.” 

Poltair pupil Leandro achieved six grade nines and hopes to continue his road to studying medicine, while Ted had a credible set of results and will now undertake a Level 3 engineering course. 

Penrice headteacher Richard Baker said: “Today is a chance to celebrate all that our students have achieved during their time at Penrice Academy. We have watched them develop not only academically, but also as confident, capable and caring young people, and we could not be prouder of them.  

Scenes from Penrice Academy on GCSE results day 2026. Video by Andrew Townsend.

“The results reflect the many different strengths within this year group and the positive contribution they have made to our school community. As they move on to the next stage of their journey, we hope they do so with confidence, knowing that they have a great deal to offer.” 

Penrice Academy said its results in triple science would be some of the highest in the whole country.